Numerical Modeling and Database development for Electrokinetic Dewatering of Ultra Fine Mine Tailings

超细尾矿电动脱水的数值模拟和数据库开发

• 批准号: RGPIN-2016-03700
• 负责人: Shang, Julie
• 金额: $ 1.97万
• 依托单位: University of Western Ontario
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2019
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2019-01-01 至 2020-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=681922
• 关键词: Numerical; Modeling; Database; development; Electrokinetic

Ultrafine tailings (UFT) have low solid content, high water retention and virtually zero shear strength over long period after disposal. Without treatment, the tailings remain in a fluid state in tailings ponds for decades, reducing efficiency of water recycle, generating environmental impacts and causing delays in mine closure.Currently dewatering of UFT is mainly relying on self-weight consolidation. Existing dewatering technologies, such as chemical additives, vacuum filtration and preloading consolidation, have shown limited success in large scale field applications. The proposed research will address challenges facing the mining industry on disposal and reclamation of mine tailings.***The applicant has carried out extensive studies on electrokinetic (EK) dewatering of a wide variety of UFTs from copper, zinc, gold, uranium and oil sand processing. Large quantities of experimental data have been collected on thickening, dewatering, and consolidation by electrokinetics. In the proposed research the applicant and her research team will develop numerical models to simulate large strain consolidation process and physiochemical changes after EK treatment. The deliverables of this research over the 5 year funding period include: (1) large strain consolidation models to simulate electrokinetics and gravitation / surcharge /vacuum combined consolidation and dewatering of ultrafine mine tailings. The analysis will be carried out using computer software Comsol Multiphysics; (2) artificial neural network (ANN) models to predict the physio-chemical responses of ultrafine tailings to electrokinetic treatment, especially due to electrochemical reactions induced cementation effects and pore fluid changes. The analysis will be conducted using ANN software Trajan 4.0; (3) database containing results of EK treatment over a wide variety of geo-materials, with focus on UFTs. The numerical modes will provide much needed foundation for the analysis, design and implementation of EK dewatering ultrafine mine tailings and other geomaterials. ***The proposed projects will provide HQPs opportunities to pursue postgraduate education in the fields of mining, geotechnical and environmental engineering. Two PhD students and two Master students will be supported over the 5-year DG funding period. The trainees will gain knowledge and become experts in EK technology, a multi-disciplinary subject with applications in broad fields. More importantly, they will develop analytical, problem solving, communication, and leadership skills, which will greatly benefit their future careers. ***This research will make significant contribution to the analysis, design and implementation of EK dewatering in UFTs, secure the applicant's position of leading edge research on electrokinetics internationally, and lead to the technical transfer of EK dewatering technology to engineering applications. ********

超细尾矿处理后，固含量低，保水率高，长期抗剪强度几乎为零。如果不进行处理，尾矿在尾矿库中数十年处于流体状态，降低了水循环效率，对环境产生影响，造成矿山关闭延迟。目前UFT的脱水主要依靠自重固结。现有的脱水技术，如化学添加剂、真空过滤和预压固结，在大规模的现场应用中表现出有限的成功。拟议的研究将解决采矿工业在处理和回收矿山尾矿方面面临的挑战。***申请人对铜、锌、金、铀和油砂加工过程中各种uft的电动脱水进行了广泛的研究。大量的实验数据已收集的增稠，脱水和固结的电动力学。在拟进行的研究中，申请人及其研究团队将开发数值模型来模拟EK处理后的大应变固结过程和物理化学变化。在5年的资助期内，本研究的成果包括：(1)模拟超细矿山尾矿的电动力学和重力/附加/真空联合固结脱水的大应变固结模型。分析将使用计算机软件Comsol Multiphysics进行；(2)利用人工神经网络（ANN）模型预测超细尾矿对电动处理的理化响应，特别是电化学反应引起的胶结效应和孔隙流体变化。使用人工神经网络软件Trajan 4.0进行分析；(3)包含多种土工材料的EK处理结果的数据库，重点是uft。所建立的数值模型将为超细尾矿等岩土材料EK脱水的分析、设计和实现提供必要的依据。***建议的项目将为高资历学生提供攻读采矿、岩土及环境工程领域的研究生教育的机会。两名博士生和两名硕士生将在5年的拨款期内获得资助。学员将获得知识和成为专家在EK技术，一个多学科的应用广泛的领域。更重要的是，他们将培养分析、解决问题、沟通和领导能力，这对他们未来的职业生涯大有好处。***本研究将对UFTs中EK脱水的分析、设计和实现做出重大贡献，确保申请人在国际上的前沿研究地位，并导致EK脱水技术向工程应用的技术转移。＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊